Gentle Giant Refuge at Blue Springs

Today we drove to Blue Springs State Park. In the summer time, you can enjoy the constant 73 degree, crystal clear spring water. You can snorkel, scuba, tube, kayak and camp at the park.The spring is the largest on the St. Johns River.

 From November to March, you are prohibited to swim in the spring but you get to enjoy watching the manatees take refuge from the cold water outside the spring.

Why would I want to give water to something that lives in water?

Also located in the park is the Thursby House. It was built in 1872 and served as a  hotel for steamboat passengers. In front of the house is a big grassy area, perfect for picnics.

It was warm out when we went so we only saw 2 manatees. We'll come back on a cold day to see lots of those gentle giants. We also saw a turtle, a gator, lots of big fish and a fair amount of water birds.

Here are some photos of the scenery. This is a beautiful place. I'm going back to hike the nature trail.